Celebration as Earlington hits 100%, Kharwastan achieves 99% pass rate

Phoenix and Chatsworth have much to celebrate following the release of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam results, with some local schools recording stellar achievements.

Earlington Secondary School in the Phoenix scored an impressive 100% matric pass rate for the second consecutive year, a testament to the hard work and dedication of its learners and staff. Meanwhile, in Chatsworth, Kharwastan Secondary School has also joined the celebration, achieving an outstanding 99% pass rate.

The results in both communities are being hailed as a reflection of sustained effort, targeted academic interventions, and strong collaboration between management, teachers, and supportive parents, culminating in the success of the Class of 2025.

One hundred and forty-seven learners have passed the NSC exam at Earlington Secondary School.

Deputy principal Merryl Chetty said, “This result is not an isolated achievement but the outcome of sustained hard work, discipline, and a deeply rooted culture of excellence at our school. Our learners have shown resilience, commitment, and determination, and they truly deserve this success. Our learners responded positively to high expectations, continuous monitoring, and a supportive learning environment that prioritises academic excellence.

“We strengthened targeted interventions. This included daily afternoon academic support, until 4 pm. Saturday classes and structured holiday revision programmes. We also focused more closely on subject-level analysis, early identification of learners at risk, and consistent follow-up by subject teachers and management. The emphasis on accountability, collaboration, and learner support ensured that no learner was left behind. We worked towards quality passes, not just trying to get the learner to pass- we helped them to try and achieve a pass that will get them somewhere.”

Pursuing a career in accounting, Sivhaan Govender, 18, received six As in English, Afrikaans, Life Orientation, Accounting, Geography and Business Studies. Studying a few hours every day since the beginning of the academic year, Siyaan said, the sleepless nights crept in closer to the exams. Taking extra lessons and “getting homework done on time” gave him a sense of accomplishment in obtaining his results.“I would say consistency is the key to achieving success in matric. Continuous work on each subject, along with adequate rest periods such as a snack break or a walk, after every two hours."

Hoping to inspire young minds, Yudhika Pragalath,17, was the second pupil from Earlington who also received six distinctions in her exam, including English, Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation, Business Studies, Geography, and Life Sciences.

Yudhika described the year as a long journey. Midway through her exams, she lost her childhood pet, Ranger. “I think one of the things that got me through was definitely studying in advance and using the day before the exam to just revise what I had learnt, and also practising with past year papers. My parents' and brother's support had also helped me cope. Prayer and faith were also very important throughout the whole period,” said.

She also questions the timetable plan, with a week in which she had to write five examinations in four back-to-back days. “This was extremely stressful. But I believe my hard work and sacrifices were totally worth these results.”

Meanwhile, in Chatsworth, Kharwastan Secondary scored a 99% pass rate.

The school's principal, Moonsamy Chetty said: "We celebrate the outstanding achievement. This remarkable result is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of the school's dynamic management team, passionate staff, and supportive governing body.

"Months of tireless preparation and collaboration culminated in the Class of 2025 being exam-ready. The staff's seamless teamwork ensured academic excellence, while parents played a vital role in enhancing learner performance. To the Class of 2025, we wish you every success as you navigate life's challenges. Remember, 'Success belongs to those who believe in themselves' - dream your life and live your dreams."